License
BugPin uses a multi-license approach:
| Component | License |
|---|---|
| Server & Admin Console | AGPL-3.0 |
| Widget | MIT |
The canonical versions of these licenses are in the GitHub repository.
Server & Admin Console (AGPL-3.0)
The server and admin UI are licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 (AGPL-3.0).
What This Means
Permissions
You are allowed to:
- Commercial use - Use BugPin for commercial purposes
- Modification - Modify the source code
- Distribution - Distribute the software
- Private use - Use and modify BugPin privately (including self-hosting)
Conditions
You must:
- Disclose source - Make source code available when distributing
- Network use is distribution - If you run a modified version as a network service, you must provide source code to users
- Include license - Include the AGPL-3.0 license text
- Include copyright - Include the original copyright notice
- State changes - Document changes you made
- Use same license - Derivative works must be AGPL-3.0
Limitations
You cannot:
- Hold liable - Contributors cannot be held liable
- Distribute without source - Must provide source code for modifications
Self-Hosting
Self-hosting for your own organization is fully permitted under AGPL-3.0:
- Deploy BugPin on your servers
- Use it internally for your team
- Modify it for your needs
- No requirement to share modifications if only used internally
The source code requirement only applies if you distribute the software or offer it as a service to others.
Offering as a Service
If you modify BugPin and offer it as a service to external users, AGPL-3.0 requires you to:
- Provide access to the complete source code
- Include all modifications
- License under AGPL-3.0
Widget (MIT)
The embeddable widget is licensed under the MIT License.
What This Means
Permissions
You are allowed to:
- Commercial use - Use in commercial applications
- Modification - Modify freely
- Distribution - Distribute without restrictions
- Private use - Use privately
Conditions
You must:
- Include copyright - Include the copyright notice
Limitations
You cannot:
- Hold liable - The author is not liable
Why MIT for the Widget?
The widget is MIT licensed to:
- Allow integration into any web application
- Remove licensing concerns for end users
- Enable use in proprietary projects
- Simplify embedding in diverse environments
Comparison
| Feature | AGPL-3.0 (Server/Admin) | MIT (Widget) |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial use | Yes | Yes |
| Modification | Yes | Yes |
| Distribution | Yes (with source) | Yes |
| Private use | Yes | Yes |
| Copyleft | Yes | No |
| Network use triggers | Yes | No |
| Attribution required | Yes | Yes |
For Businesses
Using BugPin
- Self-hosting: Fully permitted, no source disclosure required for internal use
- Widget integration: MIT license allows use in any project
- Modifications: Keep private for internal use, or share if distributing
Considerations
- If you modify the server/admin and distribute it (or offer as SaaS), you must share the source under AGPL-3.0
- The widget can be used freely in any context
For Contributors
When you contribute to BugPin:
- Server/Admin contributions are AGPL-3.0 licensed
- Widget contributions are MIT licensed
- You retain copyright of your contribution
- No separate CLA required
See Contributing Guidelines for details.
Full License Texts
- AGPL-3.0: LICENSE
- Widget MIT: src/widget/LICENSE
- GNU.org: gnu.org/licenses/agpl-3.0
Questions?
For licensing questions, use our contact form.